Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah

John Woike / Hartford Courant

A few people got up and danced to a song during a celebration of Rosh Hashanah by the rose garden in Elizabeth Park Wednesday evening. The Congregation Beth Israel, a reform synagogue in West Hartford, broke with tradition this year by beginning its celebration of the Jewish New Year with an unusual outdoor service that included guitars and drums. "We're tying to make it a little more modern," said Rabbi Michael Pincus . "And we'll be blowing the shofar [ram's horn] at the service, which is not customary for the eve of Rosh Hashanah." But he didn't want people who go to this Rosh Hashanah service, and no other, to miss out on this ceremonial call announcing the new year.

A few people got up and danced to a song during a celebration of Rosh Hashanah by the rose garden in Elizabeth Park Wednesday evening. The Congregation Beth Israel, a reform synagogue in West Hartford, broke with tradition this year by beginning its celebration of the Jewish New Year with an unusual outdoor service that included guitars and drums. "We're tying to make it a little more modern," said Rabbi Michael Pincus . "And we'll be blowing the shofar [ram's horn] at the service, which is not customary for the eve of Rosh Hashanah." But he didn't want people who go to this Rosh Hashanah service, and no other, to miss out on this ceremonial call announcing the new year. (John Woike / Hartford Courant)

A few people got up and danced to a song during a celebration of Rosh Hashanah by the rose garden in Elizabeth Park Wednesday evening. The Congregation Beth Israel, a reform synagogue in West Hartford, broke with tradition this year by beginning its celebration of the Jewish New Year with an unusual outdoor service that included guitars and drums. "We're tying to make it a little more modern," said Rabbi Michael Pincus . "And we'll be blowing the shofar [ram's horn] at the service, which is not customary for the eve of Rosh Hashanah." But he didn't want people who go to this Rosh Hashanah service, and no other, to miss out on this ceremonial call announcing the new year.